Mahoromatic – Seasons of Change
By Dr. Memory
(AKA Carl A. Potaczala)
Disclaimer
Mahoromatic and all associated characters are the property of Gainax, TBS, Pioneer LDC and the character creators, Ditama and Nakayama. This story is not written for personal profit, but as a tribute to a wonderful story that I think ended poorly and knowing that as long as I write, Mahoro lives. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
Episode 37: Conversations of the Mind
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene opens showing the interior of the guest area galley on the Command Ship. Mahoro and Minawa are wearing their maid's uniforms and are (with the help of Suguru and Hamaji) cleaning up from breakfast. Seated at the table nearest the door are Chizu and Kaito. Seated at the table are Nayoko, Tori, Umeko, Aoi, Midori and Principal Matsuhira. Seated at the table directly behind the first table are Roka, Sachio, Kioko and Kyoshi. Seated at the table directly behind the second table are Yaeko, Shiori, Takara and Yoko. Slow zoom in to Yaeko, Shiori, Takara and Yoko.
Yoko: Do you think you'll get to see your friend today?
Yaeko: I hope so, but the Commander wasn't very clear about when that might be though.
Takara: The Commander wasn't very clear about a bunch of things. He didn't sound very friendly at all last night.
Shiori: No he didn't.
Takara: (Running her finger over the wristband on her left wrist) And what do you think about these things? I feel kind of weird that they can track everywhere we go.
Shiori: I don't think that they mean to use them that way… plus you can use them to keep in touch with each other… like a cell phone. My sister was showing me how that works, although I don't remember exactly how to do it. We could ask Mahoro-san or Suguru-kun or anyone else who's been to the Command Ship before.
Yoko: Yaeko-chan, may I ask you something?
Yaeko: Please call me Ya-chan. That's what everyone calls me. So what do you want to ask about?
Yoko: Did I hear the Commander correctly last night? Did he say that your friend is a cyborg?
Yaeko: That's right. Hana is a cyborg. Officially her designation is 117, just like Manawa-chan's official designation is 370… but when I first met her I couldn't bring myself to call her by such a cold and uncaring name. (Smiling sadly) She reminded me of a flower blossom that was just waiting to bloom.
Takara: What's wrong with Hana-chan?
Yaeko: Kaemisa did some very terrible things to her. The devices they implanted into her brain damaged her and caused her a great deal of pain… and they did some terrible experiments on her. She was dying because of that. She looks about the same age as Minawa-chan she is actually twenty-five years old.
Yoko: How did you meet Hana-chan?
Yaeko closes her eyes for a moment and bows her head slightly.
Yaeko: She and her cyborg partner tried to kidnap me. That's how Hamaji-kun was hurt when he tried to stop them from taking me away. Minawa-chan killed Hana's partner and they captured Hana. (Extended silence) I'm sorry. I still have nightmares about it sometimes.
Takara and Yoko sit in stunned silence.
Yaeko: After Hana was captured Vesper sent her here to see if Saint could do the same thing for her as they did for Minawa-chan, but there was far more damage done. Doctor Mihoshi told me they have made some progress, but… (Voice trails off to silence)
Yoko: (Quietly with a blank stunned look) And we had no idea any of this was going on (After about five seconds of silence) Ahhh… You and Shiori-chan ended up sharing a room didn't you?
Shiori: Yeah… It was either that or Roka-kun and Sachio-kun would have had to shared one. Since Ya-chan and I have been sharing Ya-chan's room since my mother went to the hospital, we figured it would be easier for us to do it than Roka-kun and Sachio-kun.
Yaeko: I don't think they would be very comfortable sharing a bed.
Takara: (Smiling) I don't think so either.
Conversation in the room stops. Pan to Commander Takashi entering the room along with several other Saint including Doctor Kasumi. They all stop first to talk with Mahoro and Suguru. Principal Matsuhira stands and joins the conversation. After a few seconds of conversation, Doctor Kasumi excuses herself from the group, looks around the room and then walks to the table where Yaeko, Shiori, Takara and Yoko are sitting.
Kasumi: Yaeko Nishimura?
Yaeko: (Standing) That's me.
Kasumi: I thought so, but I wasn't sure.
Yaeko: Doctor Mihoshi introduced us when you visited Earth at Christmas time.
Kasumi: That's right. (Turning to Shiori who stands) And you're… Shiori… ahhh…
Shiori: Shiori Shikijo. I was with Ya-chan when Doctor Mihoshi introduced you to us.
Yaeko: And this is (turning to Takara and Yoko who also stand) Takara Doyoshita and Yoko Oshihara. They are part of the student exchange program. This is Doctor Kasumi. She has been taking care of Hana.
Yoko: (Bowing) Pleased to meet you.
Takara: (Bowing) Pleased to meet you.
Kasumi: (Returning the bow) Pleased to meet you also. After the meeting the medical staff will be giving all of the exchange students a physical.
Takara: There won't be any poking with needles will there?
Kasumi: (Confused look) I'm not quite sure I understand. The physical will be standard measurements, medical diagnostic and brain function tests. I don't think that will include having to poke you with any needles.
Yoko: Brain function test?
Yaeko: Don't worry. All they do is attach a couple of things to your head (pointing to her temples) and they play some tones. No needles involved at all.
Kasumi: (Looking back toward Commander Takashi and then back at Yaeko) I think the Commander wishes to begin soon. I need to make arrangements with Chizuko Oe for some tests she is having done. Once I've done that though, would you like to visit with your friend Hana?
Yaeko: (Excited smile) Yes I would. How is she doing?
Kasumi: I'll need to explain some things to you. Why don't you wait out in the hallway and I'll be with you in a moment.
Yaeko: Would it be all right if Shiori comes with me?
Kasumi: I don't see why not. You're not part of the exchange program, are you?
Shiori: No, I'm just here visiting with Ya-chan.
Kasumi: Then you and Yaeko-chan should wait out in the hallway. I think the Commander is eager to start.
Takara: (To Yaeko) Have a good visit with your friend. You can tell me all about it at lunch.
Yaeko: I'll do that.
Yaeko and Shiori walk toward the door to the galley. Takara and Yoko sit back down in their seats and Doctor Kasumi walks toward where Chizu and Kaito are sitting.
Scene fades to Doctor Kasumi, Yaeko and Shiori walking together down a hallway.
Kasumi: Surgically we've done all that we can. With the exception of the implants in her heart we've removed all of the cybernetic implants. The implants in her brain were far more invasive that those we found in Minawa-chan and therefore did far more damage. It's a wonder that she survived as long as she did. In time we may be able to heal most of that damage. Currently, Hana has only limited use of her legs because of nerve damage. She may be confined to bed or a zero G chair for some time.
Yaeko: But Hana's life isn't in any immediate danger?
Kasumi: No, her life is in no immediate danger any longer. She is already showing signs of the aging process starting, but it does not seem to be progressing at an abnormally fast rate. (Silence) The real problem is the genetic engineering that was done to the poor girl. I can't even imagine what they were trying to accomplish, but the end result is that her brain is hypersensitive to signal produced by the electrical impulses produced by other peoples' brains and nervous systems. (Silence) I understand from Doctor Mihoshi that you are familiar with this condition.
Yaeko: I'm at least part Saint. At least one of my grandparents was Saint and I inherited a similar condition.
Kasumi: I must say that for someone your age you have excellent control of the condition… far better than myself.
Yaeko stops. Doctor Kasumi and Shiori take an additional step, stop and then turn toward Yaeko.
Yaeko: I didn't realize…
Kasumi: It's taken many years of practice to achieve the level of control I have. Doctor Mihoshi suggested that I talk with you to see how our people who suffer from this condition might better deal with it.
Yaeko: We can talk any time you like.
Kasumi: (Pursing her lips) You won't mention this to anyone. The only person on the ship who knows about my condition is Commander Leesha… and apparently Doctor Mihoshi.
Yaeko: No problem. There are only a few people on Earth who know about my condition… and only Shiori and Doctor Mihoshi know the full extent of it.
Kasumi: Full extent?
Yaeko: I'll explain that to you later.
Doctor Kasumi looks at Yaeko with a quizzical look.
Kasumi: (After a moment) Hana's room is on the next hallway. (Silence) I've been told that you were able to communicate with Hana even when she was heavily sedated. I'm assuming that is because of your condition.
Yaeko: It may be a combination of my abilities and Hana's. I don't know. But you're right… the only opportunity I've had to communicate with Hana was when she was very heavily sedated.
Kasumi: Hana very rarely speaks… and only when asked a direct question… and only in very short answers. It is difficult to determine how much progress we are making in her treatment. We were hoping that you might be able to help us establish better communication with Hana.
Yaeko: I can't promise anything but I will do my best.
Scene shifts to the hallway outside the galley. Midori and Aoi exit the galley, followed by Kioko and Kyoshi (hand in hand). Takara, Yoko, Roka and Sachio exit together.
Sachio: Going to school here is definitely going to be different.
Yoko: I'm not so sure about that. We'll be studying the same basic subjects… and Matsuhira-sensei will be teaching our Japanese, English and world history.
Sachio: But classes are going to be bigger. There are going to be sixty other people in class with us.
Roka: That will be different… and no books. Everything is on the computer.
Takara: You won't be able to use the excuse of 'I forget by homework at home'.
Roka: I'm going to have to come up with some new ones. Takara-chan, you won't be able to say that your dog ate it.
Yoko: Especially considering the fact that Takara-chan never owned a dog.
Takara: It's not my fault that Saori-sensei believed me.
Sachio: When did they say we had to come back for our physicals?
Roka: You weren't listening. They said that they would page us on these wristbands.
Sachio: (Running his finger under the wristband) I'm still not crazy about having to wear these things. It makes me feel like someone is always watching over my shoulder.
Yoko: I know what you mean, but I haven't seen anybody not wearing them. And Suguru-kun was showing m how to use them to talk to other people. All you have to do is set up a personal ID code for yourself and other people can use that code to contact you.
Sachio: It still makes me feel uncomfortable. Roka-kun, what are you going to do until it's time for your physical?
Roka: Probably just go back to my cabin. From what they said at the meeting that is where we'll be staying until just before school begins… or at least until the renovations are done on our housing block.
Yoko: At least the boys and girls will have separate showers and bathrooms. That should make you happy Takara-chan, but I hope it doesn't disappoint the guys too much.
Roka: I'm perfectly happy having separate facilities. Then I don't have to worry about who's going to walk into the shower while I'm taking a shower. This morning it was Nayoko, Tori and Umeko.
Yoko: Didn't you appreciate the view?
Roka: It's not much of a view when you're facing the wall.
Yoko: Awww… poor baby. But Roka-kun is right. I haven't taken anything out of my bags yet. How about you Takara-chan?
Takara: It's the same with me too. (Silence) Roka-kun, if you have a few minutes may I talk with you?
Yoko: Oh, this sounds serious.
Takara: (Defensively to Yoko) It's nothing serious… I just need to talk to Roka-kun about something. (To Roka) Do you mind… if it isn't inconvenient?
Roka: (Perplexed) No… I don't mind…
Yoko: (Taking Sachio by the hand; Talks in a mocking tone) I think Takara-chan has something special to say to Roka-kun.
Takara: Stop that!
Yoko: (Tugging on the hand of a very confused Sachio) Come on… let's leave these two to their important conversation.
Yoko drags Sachio away.
Takara: (Looking at Roka) I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that to happen, but I wanted to say something before too much time went by. (Silence and sigh) I want to apologize for the way I behaved last night. I had no right to yell at you the way I did.
Roka: That's all right. The last couple of days haven't been easy for you so I can understand that you might have been on edge last night.
Takara: That's not an excuse. You were really trying to be nice to me… and I really appreciate it… Thank you for offering to listen when I need to talk to someone. I have a feeling that I'm really going to need it at times.
Roka: Any time you feel the need. And I'll understand if you feel the need to yell at me and call me a pervert.
Takara: (Smiling and laughing to herself) Thank you. I'll really try to keep the yelling to a minimum. (Silence) Roka-kun, did you really think I looked pretty when I was wearing the apron?
Roka: Of course you looked pretty. You always look pretty… no matter how you're dressed.
Takara: Or undressed?
Roka: Takara-chan, I won't lie to you. If you offered me a chance to see you naked, I would take it. I'm a guy and that's just the way guys are… but beyond that I'm not going to force any girl into doing something against her will.
Takara: So you wouldn't try to sneak into the shower while I was in there?
Roka: Like I said before, I'm probably as uncomfortable sharing the showers as you are.
Takara: (Laughs to herself) Thank you, Roka-kun. Thank you very much.
Scene fades to Yaeko, Shiori and Doctor Kasumi standing in a hallway next to a door.
Kasumi: I hope you don't mind but I was instructed that someone needed to be with you in the room when you visit with Hana-chan.
Yaeko: I understand. Commander Hayato is concerned because Hana was at least indirectly responsible for my father's death. When I visited with Hana the first time I had to wear a heart monitor.
Kasumi: Doctor Mihoshi only requested that someone be in the room with you.
Yaeko: I hope you understand that most of our conversation will be on a non-verbal level like it was the first time I met with Hana.
Kasumi: I understand. In fact, that is the reason I'll be with you instead of some other staff member. The reaction to that level of communication would probably not be positive. (Silence)
Yaeko: I don't understand why but I will take your word for it.
Kasumi: Well, are you ready?
Yaeko: As ready as I'll ever be. How about you Shiori?
Shiori: Any time.
Doctor Kasumi activates a switch on a control panel by the door and the door slides open. Doctor Kasumi enters first followed by Yaeko and Shiori. The room is a simple hospital room with a bed, a night table and several chairs. Off in the corner of the room is a zero-G chair.
Hana is lying in the bed and although she is propped up, she is obviously asleep. Doctor Kasumi walks over to the bed with Yaeko and Shiori still following.
Kasumi: (Leaning over Hana and talking softly) Hana… Hana… Hana… (Hana's eyes slowly open) Hana, there are some visitors here to see you. Hana…
Hana's eyes open more widely as Doctor Kasumi stands up straight and moves out of Hana's field of vision. Hana's eyes focus on Yaeko and Hana smiles.
Hana: (In a quiet, childlike voice) Yaeko… you're here.
Yaeko: (Walking up to Hana and taking Hana's hand in hers) I said that I would come to visit you.
Hana: Thank you.
Yaeko: (Beckoning Shiori to come to the bed) And I brought a friend with me. (Shiori steps forward)
Hana: I'm very pleased to meet you Shiori. You are Yaeko's very special friend.
There is a mild look of shock on Shiori's face when she hears her name, but even more of one on Doctor Kasumi's face. The smile on Hana's face turns to a look of sadness and she bows her head.
Hana: I'm sorry… I really shouldn't do that.
Shiori: That's all right. I'm kind of used to it. And I was probably thinking it very loudly.
Smile returns to Hana's face.
Yaeko: You look like you are doing well. How do you feel?
Hana: The pain is all gone, but I am still very weak. I cannot walk and I have trouble gripping things sometimes… and I get very sleepy.
Kasumi: Those things will improve as your body heals… but it will take time.
Hana: I know… I know you're trying to help be get stronger… and even though I don't understand why… I thank you.
Yaeko: That's enough of that. People are helping you because you're worth helping (Hana tries to speak but Yaeko cuts her off) I don't want to talk about that. There are so many things I want to tell you about. (Silence) Hana, would it be easier if we talked like we did the last time?
Hana: If you don't mind. It is far less tiring but no one here is willing to communicate with me that way.
Yaeko: I don't mind at all. And Shiori will be able to join us too.
Quizzical look from Doctor Kasumi
Yaeko: You're welcome to join us Doctor Kasumi.
Kasumi: (Protesting) I'm not really sure that would be appropriate… and I'm not sure how I would even do that.
Yaeko: (After a moment of thought) Do you know the fortified barrier blocking exercise?
Kasumi: (Mildly indignant) Of course I do. It's one of the basic blocking exercises that all of us with this condition are taught.
Yaeko: Sit down in the chair (Doctor Kasumi sits in the chair next to the bed) and start the exercise, but envision that the barrier is made of glass… Then I'll show you what to do from there. (After a moment) Are you ready? (Doctor Kasumi nods her head) Now close your eyes.
Point of view changes to show Doctor Kasumi standing in a large box made of glass. Yaeko suddenly appears directly in front of Doctor Kasumi standing outside the box. Doctor Kasumi startles when Yaeko appears. A similar glass box appears around Yaeko. Yaeko steps forward and the glass wall between the two boxes merge and dissolve. Without saying anything Yaeko extends her hand to Doctor Kasumi. Doctor Kasumi takes hold of Yaeko's hand and Yaeko draws Doctor Kasumi into her glass box, which then dissolves. As the box dissolves scene fades to show a large field of flowers. Yaeko and Doctor Kasumi are standing next to a couch where Shiori and Hana are sitting. Hana is smiling and looks quite strong and able to move around.
Voice of Kasumi: This feels so strange. Where are we?
Voice of Yaeko: We are all actually still in the hospital room sitting in the chairs around Hana's bed.
Voice of Kasumi: But what is this place?
Voice of Yaeko: I'm not really sure, but this is the place where Shiori and I come when we want to talk like this. (Smiling at Shiori) I think Shiori is even learning how to find her own way here.
Shiori blushes.
Voice of Hana: Shiori showed me how to find this place.
Voice of Yaeko: Thank you Hana. I've never directly linked with this many people. Usually it's just with Shiori.
Voice of Kasumi: So this is what you meant by 'full extent'?
Voice of Yaeko: This and several other things that will require more detailed explaining.
Voice of Kasumi: But how do you limit what you sense from another persons mind?
Voice of Yaeko: It only took one experience with Shiori's perverted mind…
Voice of Shiori: Hey!
Voice of Yaeko: … for me to realize that I need to still actively block… and shield those that I link with. It's all just variation of the blocking exercise that Doctor Mihoshi taught me.
Voice of Kasumi: (Looking around) This is all so amazing. There is so much more I need to understand.
Voice of Yaeko: I will explain as much to you as I can later… Hana, do you feel up to taking a walk? There is someone who would like to meet you.
As Shiori and Hana stand fade to black.
Cut to mid-show break
Scene opens showing three men sitting at a table (showing them from the back) with Doctor Canon standing on the other side of the table. There is a woman of about age twenty standing next to him.
Man #1: This is all well and good, but I don't understand of what advantage this is to us.
Doctor Canon: You've reviewed my plan and certainly you must understand that…
Man #1: Yes, I've reviewed your plan and I still don't understand how this will move us any closer to our goal.
Man #2: We aren't saying that your plan doesn't have merit, but it could take months or even years for the proper conditions to develop for your plan to be effective. We simply don't believe that we have that much time available.
Doctor Canon: That would not be an issue if you had not taken similar rash actions in the past.
Man #1: We took what actions we thought were necessary to fulfill our purpose.
Doctor Canon: (Raised voice) And where has it gotten us?
Man #3: Gentlemen! I understand your position Doctor Canon, but it is simply our perception that we are running out of time and that we need to take some interim action to slow the tide of events. They have almost reached a significant agreement.
Doctor Canon: This agreement means nothing. Considering the current attitude of both sides, it is only an agreement to try to agree on something in the future.
Man #1: And how are you so certain of this?
Doctor Canon: Experience tells me so. And this 'interim action' you are proposing could destroy everything we have worked towards for all of this time. And are you sure that all of the principals involved will go along with this plan?
Man #1: Everyone understands the consequences if they do not… Do you?
Doctor Canon: I have stated my opinion. That is all that I can do. If there is nothing else… I still have work that I must complete.
Man #3: That is all.
Doctor Canon bows and along with the woman that is with him, they exit the room.
Man #1: You just let him walk out like that without warning him against interfering?
Man #3: Doctor Canon will do nothing to interfere. He will do nothing to assist us, but he will not do anything to interfere. Is everything in place?
Man #2: We are just waiting for the proper time. We can mobilize in less that an hour.
Man #3: And the other matter of concern?
Man #2: It will be dealt with should the situation arise.
Man #3: There should be no need to remind anyone that we cannot let this get out of control as it has in the past. We have done more to hurt our own cause than out enemy ever could have done. Please do not forget that.
Scene fades to Doctor Canon and the woman walking down an ornately decorated hallway. The woman is walking along side and to the right of Doctor Canon.
Doctor Canon: (Angrily) Idiots! They're all idiots! They don't understand that direct force will only strengthen their resolve. You would think by now they would understand that. It will only bring us back to the same end result… the same as every other time. Unless we break the enemy's resolve from within there is no hope for victory. No hope but for it to continue like it has in the past. (Doctor Cannon stops, as does the woman with him) (With resolve) I am not going to let that happen. I will not. We are too far along the road for any 'interim action' they take to make any real difference. Nothing will change. Nothing at all. (Turning to the woman) Yume, I think it's time we move our primary research to our backup facility. Is everything in place for us to do so?
Yume: (Sweetly, but still somewhat mechanically) Yes, Doctor Canon. There are only a few things that we will need to take from this lab. (Silence) Doctor Canon, won't your absence arouse their suspicion?
Doctor Canon: I don't think they will notice… And soon they won't even care. (Doctor Canon smiles) Very good, Yume. Hmmm… I think we still need to do some fine-tuning.
Doctor Canon and Yume start walking down the hallway. Scene fades to the galley. Pan of the room shows Nayoko, Umeko and Tori serving lunch to the various tables. Pan stops at the table where Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Yaeko, Shiori and Commander Takashi are sitting. Suguru is reading a document, which he hands to Mahoro to read. Mahoro reads it quickly and sets it down on the table
Suguru: I don't understand.
Takashi: I don't understand either, but these are the orders I received. I don't question any order from this level.
Mahoro: So when is this meeting scheduled?
Takashi: As soon as I can get all of the participants together. At the moment Commander Sera and Cadet Kenta are on a training flight and are not scheduled to return for at least two hours. I will personally take responsibility to expedite their return as soon as possible.
Yaeko: I don't understand why Shiori and I are being included.
Takashi: As I said, I don't understand either, but it was Matthew's specific request that you and your friend attend the meeting along with Mahoro-san, Suguru-kun, Minawa-chan, Toshiya-kun, Commander Sera and Cadet Kenta.
There is a quiet snicker from Minawa.
Hamaji: Commander Takashi, could you please call me Hamaji. I much prefer it to Toshiya.
Takashi: But isn't Toshiya your given name.
Hamaji: It's difficult to explain, but I really don't care for it.
Takashi: That's unfortunate. Toshiya is an honored name among our people. (Standing up; the others at the table stand with him) If you will excuse me, I need to go to the control center to make certain that Commander Sera and Cadet Kenta are present for the meeting. Thank you for lunch. I can understand why Commander Leesha goes on and on about food from Earth. It was very good.
Mahoro: You are welcome to eat with us any time you like.
Takashi: I would have a difficult time justifying that with my staff.
Mahoro: I would enjoy cooking a meal for you and your staff before we return to Earth.
Takashi: I will keep your offer in mind. But if I do that I may never be able to get them to eat food from our cooks. (A small hint of a smile appears on the Commander's face) When Commander Sera returns I will send one of my staff members to get you.
Suguru: Thank you Commander.
Commander Takashi walks away from the table and exits the galley. Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji Yaeko and Shiori all sit down.
Suguru: I wanted to meet with Matthew but I didn't expect the meeting to occur this early in our visit.
Hamaji: Suguru-kun, you and Mahoro-san met with Matthew the last time you visited. What is he like?
Suguru: I'm not actually sure whether Matthew is a he or a she. We never saw Matthew's face and it was difficult to tell if the voice we heard was that of a boy or a girl. Really though Matthew seemed very friendly and wanted Mahoro and myself to feel comfortable.
Shiori: Do Ya-chan and I need to wear anything special for this meeting?
Suguru: I would say not. Grandmother didn't make a big deal about us dressing up the last time.
Mahoro: Ya-chan, how was your visit with Hana-chan?
Yaeko: It was nice. Hana is still very weak but Doctor Kasumi says that she is slowly improving every day. Now that the implants are gone she doesn't feel the constant pain, but it may be a year before she is well enough to leave the hospital here. (To Minawa) She did say that she would like to meet with you and Hamaji-kun before you return to Earth. If you'd like, I can arrange a visit. I think she would really like to apologize for what happened back on Earth.
Shiori: Hana seems to spend quite a bit of her time apologizing.
Hamaji: That seems to be something that former cyborgs seem to do… (Minawa scowls at Hamaji) but they get over it when they realize how much they're loved.
Takara, Yoko, Roka and Sachio join Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Yaeko and Shiori at the table.
Yoko: So what kind of trouble are you in? The Commander didn't look very happy.
Hamaji: Were not in any trouble. It's just that the Commander never looks very happy.
Sachio: So I'm not the only one who noticed that.
Suguru: Mahoro and I had requested to talk with Matthew, but it seems that Matthew would like to talk to others in addition to just us.
Takara: Matthew? I remember that name for the stories that Kaito-kun was telling at the cultural festival.
Suguru: Matthew is somewhat difficult to explain. Matthew is the spiritual guiding force of Saint.
Takara: Like a god?
Suguru: No not a god… but I'm not sure how to explain it any better.
Roka: So when are you meeting with this guiding spirit.
Mahoro: As soon as Sera-chan and Kenta-kun come back from their training mission.
Takara: We have a tour of our school and meet out teachers right after lunch.
Sachio: The Commander said that would take the rest of the afternoon.
Yoko: We might even be able to see where our quarters will be… once they finish building them.
Yaeko: How were your physicals?
Yoko: Nothing out of the ordinary. They measured us for our school uniforms and did some other tests.
Sachio: I don't understand the purpose of the brain function test.
Yoko: In your case it was to prove that you even have a brain and that it's located in the right place.
Minawa: I'm assuming that Sachio-kun passed that part of his physical.
Yoko: Not sure. I think the jury is still out on that one.
Sachio: Hey!
Shiori: I know what they measure on the girls but what do they measure on the guys?
Roka: The same basic things… height, weight, chest and waist… the things they need to fit our uniforms.
Takara: I hope they fit better than Kenta-kun's uniform. That was obscene.
Mahoro: That was one of Sera-san's cadet uniforms. She thought that since they are about the same height and weight it would fit him.
Yoko: I wouldn't worry about it too much Takara-chan. I asked about our uniforms when I went for my physical. The doctor said that they are going to be like the uniforms we wore on Earth. Commander Leesha designed them.
Mahoro and Suguru look at each other for a moment
Suguru: (Sigh) Maybe you do have something to worry about considering my grandmother's sense of humor.
Takara, Yoko, Sachio and Roka exchange worried glances among themselves.
Scene fades to the interior of a small ship. Sera and Kenta are sitting at the controls of the ship.
Kenta: Honestly Sera-chan, nothing happened… nothing at all.
Sera: That's Commander Sera, Cadet Ogitsu.
Kenta: Sera-chan, you have to believe me.
Sera: Pay attention to what you are doing.
Kenta: Kira-san slept in her bed and I slept in mine. I even slept with my face to the wall.
Sera: You could have requested that they change her room.
Kenta: I was told that it wasn't an option because it was after curfew.
Sera: There isn't a curfew.
Kenta: I didn't know that. That is what Kira-san told me. That's what they told her at her briefing when she arrived at the Command Ship. That's when I figured out that it must be some kind of a trick that the pilots were playing on both of us.
Sera: It wasn't the pilots. Commander Takashi made the assignment. He told me about it during my meeting last night, but he never mentioned that Kira-san was a girl.
Kenta: But honestly Sera-chan, nothing happened. We talked for a while and then we went to sleep… in our own beds.
Sera: Watch what you're doing or we're going to end up in a heap on the moon.
Kenta: Sorry. This trainer doesn't handle nearly as well as your ship does.
Sera: Many of the functions that are automated on my ship have to be handled manually on the trainers, but you seemed to have picked up the feel of this ship very well. Every ship is different and requires time to get the 'feel' of the ship.
Kenta: I thought that I would spend most of my time today using the simulators.
Sera: After the training Commander found out that you docked my ship yesterday and after you did a perfect run on the simulator this morning, the training Commander decided that you were ready to graduate up to a trainer ship.
Voice: (Over the radio) Commander Sera… Takashi here.
Sera: (Presses several contacts on the ships control panel) Commander Sera here. What can I do for you Commander Takashi?
Voice of Takashi: I need you and Cadet Kenta to return to the Command Ship as soon as it is practical.
Sera: Is there a problem?
Voice of Takashi: Not really a problem. You as well as Cadet Kenta have been requested to participate in a meeting as soon as possible.
Sera: A meeting?
Voice of Takashi: (Subdued voice) With Matthew.
Sera: Matthew…
Voice of Takashi: I'll explain when you return to the Command Ship… As soon as possible please.
Sera: Yes Commander.
Voice of Takashi: Command Ship out.
Kenta: (Turning to face Sera) Is there a problem?
Sera: I don't know. Usually Matthew only meets with the highest level of Commanders… and then only in times of crisis. Only Commander Leesha meets regularly with Matthew. I know that Suguru and Mahoro had requested a meeting… but I don't understand why Matthew would want to meet with me… or with you.
Kenta: What should we do?
Sera: Not much we can do. Set a vector back to the Command Ship and we'll have a meeting with Matthew.
Kenta presses several contacts on the control panel. There is an increased whine of the engines with lasts for a moment and then returns to a normal level.
Kenta: Vector set for the trainer ship docking bay. ETA thirty two minutes at our current velocity.
Sera: That will be fine… (Silence) So nothing happened?
Kenta: Nothing happened.
Sera: You didn't even try to sneak a look at her panties?
Kenta: (Nonchalantly) I couldn't. Kira-san sleeps in the nude.
Sera: (Turns to face Kenta, wide eyed) What?
Kenta: (Putting up his hands to block Sera) I'm joking! I'm only joking!
Scene fades to Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Sera, Kenta, Shiori and Yaeko standing in a hallway next to an ornate door with Commander Takashi.
Takashi: Suguru-kun… Mahoro-san… I understand that you are familiar with this process.
Suguru: Mahoro and I met with Matthew during our last visit here.
Takashi: Then I will ask you to explain the process to your friends. My presence is required elsewhere. I have been asked to key the entry to both you and Mahoro-san. Just place your hand on the contacts and the door will operate for you. If you will excuse me, please.
Without saying anything else Commander Takashi walks away.
Hamaji: What was that all about?
Sera: This is a significant breach of protocol. It would be a rare occasion for Commander Takashi to meet with Matthew… and only under the direst of circumstances. The fact that Commander Leesha meets with Matthew on a regular basis is considered highly unusual. That Matthew has requested that I participate has to be a severe blow to Commander Takashi's pride.
Kenta: But we don't know what this is all about. Why am I included?
Hamaji: Why are any of us included?
Suguru: We won't know that until we meet with Matthew. (Places his hand on the door contact) I'm not really sure how this works, (the door slides open) but we need to stand on the glowing white circle (all enter with Suguru and Mahoro leading) and it will take us to see Matthew.
The door slides closed after all enter the room. There is a large white glowing circle on the floor surrounded by five columns. All advance and stand on the glowing circle. Mahoro and Suguru are the last to step on to the circle but when they do a bright glowing light surrounds the entire group.
When the glow subsides, the group finds themselves in what looks to be a very large open field covered with flowers of various types. There are four couches arranged in a circle and a single chair where a person is sitting, dressed in robes and with a hood over its head and obscuring the face. There is a musical sound, which just seems to exist all around them.
Yaeko and Shiori look around in absolute wonder.
Matthew: (Extending his arms) Please… have a seat… Make yourself comfortable.
Yaeko looks at the person sitting in the car and her eyes widen in amazement.
Matthew: I can see that there will be no hiding anything from you Ya-chan. Please, give me a few minutes before we make our grand revelation. Please be seated.
All find a seat and sit down, one 'couple' per couch.
Matthew: You will have to excuse Commander Takashi. I have put him in a very uncomfortable position, but it was necessary for Leesha to continue her work on Earth. (Silence) What I have to say effects all of you either directly or indirectly so that I why I asked you all to be here. I know you have questions but I'll ask you to hear what I have to say first. (Silence) Kaemisa has begun to consolidate their operations. Suguru, I'm sure that you suspected that the attack on your classmates was in some way tied to Kaemisa and from the evidence that Vesper and Saint were able to gather we believe that is the case.
Suguru: But why attack my friends? Why not attack me?
Matthew: Because Kaemisa knows that you and Mahoro are somehow the key to the future of both the people of Earth and the people of Saint and they are doing all they can to prevent you from doing whatever it is you are supposed to do.
Suguru: But what is that?
Matthew: I do not know.
Mahoro: Then why is everyone so certain that Suguru and I are so important?
Matthew: This is even more difficult to explain. To simply say that our Prophecies indicate that this is the case is really of little help.
Hamaji: You mean like the prophesy of the blue pearl that Kaito-kun told us about.
Matthew: That is one of them. There are many more which talk about a day of decision that will determine the future of all of the people of Saint and now by extension all of the people of Earth. There are others that discuss the Caretakers and the Searchers and the conflict between them. And still others that discuss the great catastrophe to come. They all have one element in common. They all speak of one who is the descendent of the Caretakers and the Searchers. This is why everyone is so certain that the key to both of our futures is you, Suguru. (Silence) Mahoro… Minawa… Sera… it seems certain that you and the others of your kind will play a central role in what is to come… and it has always been known that eventually the people of Earth would learn of your nature. Even now it is becoming more and more difficult to keep this secret. Soon it will be impossible and it is more likely than not that the disclosure will occur when it is least advantageous to you. Although I am not saying that you should make a public announcement as soon as you return to Earth but it would be far better if the time of disclosure was under your control rather than under the control of random events… or Kaemisa… For Kaemisa will use it to their best advantage and to the detriment of Suguru.
Sera: But will the people of Earth accept us?
Matthew: How have the people who already know of your nature accepted you?
Sera looks at Kenta who smiles at her and takes hold of her hand.
Matthew: If the disclosure occurs under your control, for the most part, you can expect the same acceptance.
Matthew turns his body to face Yaeko and Shiori.
Matthew: This place is familiar to you, isn't it?
Yaeko: Yes it is.
Matthew: That very fact should tell you something about my nature and the nature of this meeting.
Yaeko nods her head.
Matthew: I have a special favor to ask of you. There is a young lady I would like to place in your care. Kenta, you have already made her acquaintance. I'm sorry to have placed you and Sera in such an uncomfortable position, but I was left with little choice. Few people of Saint would share a room with Kira; since she has a condition with which Ya-chan is very familiar. But Kira also shows great potential as a pilot. That is why I would like Kira to go to Earth with you Ya-chan so that you and Doctor Mihoshi can further her training; and for Sera to train her as a pilot. Would you be willing to do this for me Ya-chan?
Yaeko: I guess I could.
Matthew: Sera, would you be willing to train her as a pilot? … Rest assured, she is not interested in stealing Kenta away from you.
Sera: That really isn't an issue. I trust Kenta-kun. I will train her if she is willing to work with me.
Matthew: That is very good. I will have the necessary arrangements made.
Yaeko: Matthew-sama, what will happen to Hana?
Matthew: Please, there is no need to be so formal. Hana will be fine. I think now with Doctor Kasumi's help, Hana will improve much more quickly. Soon she will be able to make her own decision about her future. (Silence) Ya-chan, you've almost been bursting all this time, haven't you? (Turning his body to face Mahoro and Suguru) You asked why I was so certain of the importance of Suguru. Ya-chan can see the reason and I am in no position to tell her that she cannot tell you that reason.
Matthew draws back the hood of his robe revealing his face, which is a perfect image of Suguru, without his glasses. Everyone stares in shocked silence.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens with Mahoro and Suguru, Minawa and Hamaji, Sera and Kenta, Shiori and Yaeko sitting in couches in a flowered field talking with Matthew sitting in a chair. Scene cuts to the galley where all are seated for dinner. Pan of room shows Mahoro and Minawa (in maid's uniform) are serving dinner. Suguru, Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito are seated at one table. Nayoko, Tori, Umeko, Aoi, Midori, Kioko and Kyoshi are seated at a second (Slash is seated by Umeko's side). Takara, Yoko, Roka, Sachio, Yaeko and Shiori are seated at a third. Cut to Sera, Kenta and Kira join Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito. Scene cuts to Kira, Yaeko and Shiori sitting and drinking tea. Scene cuts to Takara, Yaeko and Shiori talking in the galley kitchen. Cut to Takara resting her head on Yaeko's shoulder and crying.
[Voice Over
Voice of Aoi: See… we're still here.
Voice of Midori: OK… OK… they haven't written us out of the story yet. I've got to find out where that field of flowers is.
Voice of Aoi: It's probably some park or recreation area. So what do you think of the new school?
Voice of Midori: I don't think it will be too different. I think you're right about Takara-chan and Roka-kun. They do seem to be spending a lot of time together.
Voice of Aoi: At least she isn't yelling at him and calling him a pervert.
Voice of Midori: Just give her a chance. Check out the new exchange student to Earth.
Voice of Aoi: She's something else. I think she's almost as big as Saori-sensei.
Voice of Midori: I understand that she was assigned as Kenta-kun's roommate.
Voice of Aoi: Kenta-kun's roommate! Sera-san can't be happy with that.
Voice of Midori: I can't imagine she would be. Ya-chan and Shiori-chan are going to help her adjust to living on Earth.
Voice of Aoi: Takara-chan seems to be spending a lot of time with Ya-chan and Shiori-chan too
Voice of Midori: If she's with them then she's not yelling at us for checking out the guys.
Voice of Aoi: I think that something is wrong with Takara-chan. I wonder if she's homesick already.
Voice of Midori: I doubt she's homesick… but you're right. Something is wrong. I don't think I've ever seen Takara-chan cry.
Episode 38: Images and Reflections